On the jobs front, the unemployment rate for December fell to 5.6%, solidifying 2014 as the best year for job growth since 1999. Oil prices have continued to fall from $60 to about $47, with a Saudi Prince stating that $100 oil may be gone for good. I'm wondering if I'll actually get to see my gasoline and heating oil costs fall below $2 per gallon for the first time in almost six years. :)

On the financial front, my Penfed 3.5% APY 5 year CD matured earlier this month. I used some of that cash to make 2014 Federal and state estimated tax payments and with few other options I will probably use the rest of the balance for mortgage prepayment. Unfortunately, I have another Penfed 3.5% APY 5 year CD ready to mature in March, and I'll probably end up using some of that cash for a 2015 Series I savings bond purchase.

As for the rest, my next task is to focus on 2014 corporate and personal tax return prep. Hopefully the estimated tax payments I just made will help keep any surprises to a minimum. ;)